Arguments and Actions: Decoupling Preference and Planning through Argumentation

Abstract

Automated decision-making and planning is a capability that lays the foundation for the development of intelligent decision-support. These systems range from sophisticated multi-agent solutions for corporate decision-support, to decision recommendation for the general consumer. The ideas, algorithms, and tools developed within this thesis cater for this latter category - a class of approaches that includes online travel planners, smart environments, context-aware navigational aides, and personal shopping assistants. Operating on behalf of a human user, these tools are charged with the recommendation of a decision that best serves their interests -..